A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dingle vs. Saint-Etienne for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Dingle or Saint-Etienne? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dingle

Dingle is a natural, scenic, and rustic peninsula. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Dingle and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dingle. Although Dingle and Saint-Etienne are both popular with visitors, Dingle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dingle is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Dingle is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. It is also home to The Gallarus Oratory. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Dingle different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne and Dingle. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

Is the Food Better in Dingle or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dingle is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dingle has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Dingle or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

Saint-Etienne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Dingle or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Dingle is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Dingle for it's beautiful beaches. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Dingle or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Dingle is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Dingle for the hiking trails. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is a city with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dingle or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dingle or Saint-Etienne.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dingle. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Dingle or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Dingle is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Dingle is a great peninsula if you're traveling as a couple. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Dingle or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Dingle or Saint-Etienne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Dingle or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable peninsula. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

For even more information, also check out Is Dingle Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Dingle?

How long in Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dingle or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dingle than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dingle, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Couples should spend more time in Dingle than Saint-Etienne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dingle that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dingle than Saint-Etienne if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dingle.

One day in Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the scenic destination of Dingle. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dingle. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the natural destination of Dingle. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This peninsula offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food around the beautiful peninsula of Dingle. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Dingle and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Dingle is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dingle Expensive? and Is Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Dingle and Saint-Etienne, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Dingle or Saint-Etienne?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dingle or Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Dingle during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dingle is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Dingle average around 15°C (59°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Dingle gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Dingle usually gets more rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Dingle gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dingle or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dingle and Saint-Etienne. The autumn months attract visitors to Dingle because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Dingle is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dingle averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Dingle gets 79 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Dingle usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Dingle gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dingle or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dingle as well as Saint-Etienne. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dingle this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. In the winter, Dingle is much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dingle in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Dingle gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Dingle receives a lot of rain in the winter. Dingle usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Dingle gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dingle or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Dingle are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Dingle is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Dingle average around 9°C (48°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Dingle gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dingle usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Dingle gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Dingle